If the Browns are committed to building a sustainable contender, they cannot afford to force a selection at the top of the draft. In this Mock Draft 2.0, Cleveland trades back from No. 6, sending picks 6 and 107 in exchange for No. 11, No. 87, and Miami’s 2027 first-round pick, adding a valuable long-term asset to their portfolio.
For those who push back on moving down, it’s important to recognize the position this organization is in. The Browns surrendered three first-round picks in the Deshaun Watson trade, and that investment has not produced the expected results. This is rare territory, and it demands a disciplined response.
Accumulating premium draft capital is not just smart, it is necessary. This approach prioritizes flexibility, replenishes critical assets, and positions the franchise for sustained success rather than short-term urgency.
No. 11 Overall — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
With the 11th pick, the Browns select Monroe Freeling, a premier left tackle prospect with the tools to anchor this offensive line for years to come. Freeling brings elite size, length, and movement ability, backed by an outstanding Relative Athletic Score (RAS) that reflects his rare combination of explosiveness and agility for the position.
He’s a smooth, fluid mover in pass protection with the footwork to mirror edge rushers and the length to keep defenders at a distance. His athletic profile shows up consistently on tape, whether he’s handling speed off the edge or climbing to the second level in the run game. Freeling plays with balance and control, and his upside as a pass protector is as high as anyone in this class.
For Cleveland, this is about securing a cornerstone at left tackle. Freeling has all the traits to step in and develop into a long-term answer protecting the quarterback’s blindside while leading the charge for this offense moving forward.
No. 24 Overall — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
With the 24th pick, the Browns select Denzel Boston, a wide receiver who brings size, ball skills, and real scoring upside to the offense. At around 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Boston offers the kind of boundary presence Cleveland has been missing, with the ability to win on the outside, finish through contact, and consistently make plays in contested situations.
What stands out most about Boston is how well his game translates to the next level. He is a smooth mover for his size, he runs with control, and he has the physicality to be a major factor in the red zone. Evaluators have highlighted his route-running, catch-point ability, and touchdown production, while NFL draft analysts continue to view him as one of the better receiver prospects in this class.
For Cleveland, this pick is about adding a true outside weapon with long-term value. Boston gives the Browns a bigger target who can stretch the field, win one-on-one, and bring a needed finishing element to the passing game. He may not win purely with elite speed, but his size, body control, and ability to make difficult catches would make him an outstanding addition to this offense.
No. 39 Overall — D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
With the 39th pick, the Browns select D’Angelo Ponds, one of the most instinctive and competitive defensive backs in this class. Ponds may not have prototypical size for the position, but he consistently plays bigger than his frame and has earned praise as one of the best pound for pound players in the 2026 class. At 5 feet 9 and roughly 182 pounds, he brings high level instincts, toughness, and playmaking ability to the secondary.
What makes Ponds such an appealing fit is the way his game translates to today’s NFL. He has experience lining up in the slot and outside, shows outstanding awareness in coverage, and has the kind of natural feel for the position that allows him to make plays on the football consistently. Evaluators have pointed to his instincts, physicality, technique, and positional flexibility as major strengths, and his vertical jump helps explain why he plays with such explosion despite not having ideal length.
For Cleveland, this would be a tremendous value at 39. Ponds brings the mentality, toughness, and versatility this defense should want in the secondary. He can step in as a playmaker, compete immediately at nickel, and give the Browns another smart, aggressive defender who fits the style needed on the back end.
No. 70 Overall — Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
With the 70th pick, the Browns select Zachariah Branch, one of the most dynamic playmakers in this class. After a strong 2025 season at Georgia, Branch entered the draft as a proven weapon in space, finishing with 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns while continuing to show the burst and creativity that make him such a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands.
What makes Branch such an intriguing fit in Cleveland is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He is an explosive slot weapon with elite short-area quickness, outstanding run-after-catch ability, and legitimate return value. ESPN’s draft coverage noted that 636 of his 811 receiving yards last season came after the catch, and his combine performance backed up the explosiveness on tape with a 4.35 in the 40, a 38-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-5 broad jump.
For the Browns, this pick is about adding speed, juice, and versatility to the offense. Branch is the type of player who can stress defenses on quick hitters, screens, motion touches, and special teams, giving Cleveland another element it badly needs. He is undersized, and that will always be part of the evaluation, but at this point in the draft, the upside is absolutely worth betting on.
No. 87 Overall — Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
With the 87th pick, acquired in the trade with Miami, the Browns select Genesis Smith, a versatile and instinctive safety with the traits to develop into a premier player at the position in the NFL.
Smith stands out because of his range, physicality, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He closes space quickly, plays with confidence, and shows the kind of awareness and toughness you want on the backend of a defense. He has the tools to hold up in coverage, come downhill against the run, and make plays on the football.
For Cleveland, this is the type of pick that makes a lot of sense. The Browns would be adding a young safety with real upside and a chance to grow into a major piece of the secondary. At this point in the draft, landing a player with premier traits and long-term starting potential would be outstanding value.
No. 146 Overall — Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
With the 146th pick, the Browns select Jager Burton, a tough, experienced center who brings physicality and versatility to the interior of the offensive line.
Burton plays with a strong base, good leverage, and the kind of toughness you want anchoring the middle. He has experience across the interior, but projects best at center, where his awareness, communication, and ability to control the line of scrimmage really stand out. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, technically sound, and competes on every snap.
For Cleveland, this pick is about continuing to build depth and stability up front. Burton gives them a true center with the ability to develop into a dependable piece, while also providing valuable depth along the interior. At this stage of the draft, adding a smart, physical center is a strong move.
No. 149 Overall — Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
With the 149th pick, the Browns select Dallen Bentley, a versatile tight end who brings a balanced skill set as both a receiver and a blocker.
Bentley stands out for his physicality at the point of attack and his ability to contribute in the passing game. He shows reliable hands, can work underneath and in the middle of the field, and has enough athleticism to be a consistent option in short to intermediate routes. As a blocker, he competes, plays with good effort, and fits well in a scheme that values tight ends who can do both.
For Cleveland, this pick is about adding depth and versatility to the tight end room. Bentley gives them a player who can contribute in multiple roles, whether it’s as an in-line blocker, a safety valve in the passing game, or a rotational piece in heavier personnel packages. At this stage of the draft, getting a well-rounded tight end is strong value.
No. 206 Overall — Eli Heidenreich, FB/WR, Navy
With the 206th pick, the Browns select Eli Heidenreich out of Navy, a tough, physical fullback who brings a throwback mentality with legitimate versatility.
Heidenreich stands out for his toughness and willingness to do the dirty work, but he also offers value as a receiver. He’s shown reliable hands out of the backfield, can find space underneath, and gives the offense a dependable option on checkdowns and play-action looks.
What really adds to his profile is his athleticism. A reported 4.44 in the 40-yard dash is outstanding for the position and shows up when he gets into open space. He has more burst than most fullbacks, which makes him a threat with the ball in his hands.
For Cleveland, this pick is about adding a versatile piece who can impact multiple areas. Heidenreich can lead in the run game, contribute as a receiver, and bring immediate value on special teams. At this stage of the draft, landing a player with his toughness and athletic profile is excellent value.
No. 248 Overall — Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
With the 248th pick, the Browns select Cole Payton, an athletic quarterback with intriguing upside and immediate situational value.
Payton’s biggest strength is his athleticism. He’s a true dual-threat option who can move, extend plays, and be utilized in designed packages right away. His mobility allows him to stress defenses, whether it’s on zone reads, rollouts, or short-yardage situations, giving the offense a different dimension.
While he may still be developing as a passer, the traits are worth betting on this late in the draft. His ability to create with his legs and operate outside of structure gives him a foundation to build on, while also providing immediate utility in specific roles.
For Cleveland, this is exactly the type of swing you want to take in the seventh round. Adding an athlete like Payton at quarterback gives you a low-risk, high-upside option who can contribute right away in certain packages while developing over time. At pick 248, that kind of value is significant.
Draft Recap & Outlook
When I look at this mock as a whole, it gives the Browns exactly what they should be chasing right now: flexibility, protection, weapons, and a much healthier long-term outlook. Andrew Berry has already made meaningful strides in free agency to improve the offensive line, and this draft would build on that in a major way. Moving back from No. 6 and turning that into No. 11, No. 87, and Miami’s 2027 first-round pick is the kind of move that can change the direction of a franchise.
The headline is obvious. The Browns still come away with their future left tackle in Monroe Freeling, a player with the athletic profile and upside to lead the charge up front for years to come. Then they land Denzel Boston in the first round as a big-time outside target who can give this offense more size, playmaking ability, and finishing power in the passing game. If you believe, as I do, that Shedeur Sanders is going to win the starting job, those are exactly the kinds of investments you should be making around him.
What stands out most about this class is that it supports both the present and the future. Freeling strengthens the protection. Boston and Zachariah Branch add more juice to the receiver room. Jager Burton helps reinforce the interior. D’Angelo Ponds and Genesis Smith add talent and upside to the secondary. Dallen Bentley gives the offense another tight end option, while Eli Heidenreich and Cole Payton bring versatility and athleticism late in the draft. There is a clear effort here to improve the infrastructure of the roster while still taking swings on upside.
That is why the Miami 2027 first-round pick matters so much. The Browns are in rare territory because of how much premium draft capital they gave up in the Deshaun Watson trade, and that makes a move like this even more important. Now you are heading into 2027 with two first-round long-term picks, and if Miami struggles, that extra selection could end up carrying massive value, maybe even landing in the top five.
To me, this is the best kind of outcome for Cleveland because it keeps every option on the table. In the ideal scenario, Shedeur Sanders proves he is the franchise quarterback under Todd Monken, and the Browns can keep building the offense around him with added draft capital and a stronger foundation already in place. If that does not happen, then Cleveland still puts itself in position to pivot in 2027 with what could potentially be two top ten picks and a real opportunity to go get the quarterback it wants. That is why this mock makes so much sense. It is not just about one draft class. It is about finally giving the Browns a path forward.